The Vital Villa Interviews 2017: DeanoVilla

From birth pretty much as my Dad is Villa so I never really had a choice. Couple of mates tried to convert me to the evil ways of Everton and I seem to remember even owning some Everton shin pads at the age of about 4, but luckily my Dad steered me in the right direction. Villa through and through from the age of about 5. i.e. 1985.

2) What is your favourite Villa moment of all time/most treasured memory?

The 2 League Cup Finals in 94 and 96 immediately spring to mind, but I'm going to plump for the 96 one against Leeds. In 94 I was up in the Olympic Gallery with the prawn sandwich brigade. In 96 I was just about old enough to make my way down to London with friends and sneak a bottle of Sunny D onto the coach filled with Vodka. Was a brilliant day, a brilliant match and Savo's goal just topped it all off.

3) If you could bring back a former Villa player into this team (at his peak) who would it be and why?

Based on what we need (someone who can win games single handidly) I'd have to go for top striker. Benteke? Yorke? Deano? McInally? Probably Benteke or Rambo. The big men would be ideal for this league.

4) Steve Bruce? Your opinion please?

Like him. Still believe he's the right choice. Sooner or later someone needs to be given time to turn us around, and I'm talking 4-5 years even if things aren't going great. All the chopping and changing doesn't do us any good at all.

5) Best and worst moments of last season?

Got to admit I was a bit underwhelmed by the season as a whole. Can't really think of any big highlights or massive low lights worthy of mention... all a bit of a non event for me.

6) Your opinion of Doctor Tony Xia and our CEO Keith Wyness?

Xia seems a good guy. Was very worried in the early days and all the twitter nonsense but I now just find it funny. Wyness? Dunno. A good CEO shouldn't really be seen or heard to be honest, just get on and do the job.

7) What do you think we need most in the transfer window?

A good goalkeeper, a good centre back, a decent left winger and probably another striker.

8) Which player/s should Villa get rid of this summer?

Still not a fan of Bacuna, although Bruce seems to like him. Gabby obviously. No others I'm desperate to see the back of, although most should be squad players and the first XI should be improved.

9) Favourite and least favourite current player? (Explanation if you wish)

Favourite... not a lot of choice is there? Kodjia for his goals maybe, but he's no Benteke. I rate Chester. Always like Hutton. I'll go for Kodjia I suppose.

Least favourite, Bacuna. Just don't rate him or like him as a person.

10) Who was your first footballing hero and who are your favourite all time player/s?

Warren Aspinall. lol. Just timing really. As a kid, at one of my first ever trips to Villa Park, remember him coming off the bench against Bradford and scoring a brace in the last 5 minutes. Loved him from that moment.

Favourite players.... too many to mention but will give it a bloody good go -

McGrathMcInallyCowansStauntonTaylorSaundersLaursenBarryPetrovAngelYorke and Platt (said through gritted teeth coz kind of hate them now)

11) What do you expect us to do/finish this season coming?

I certainly don't see the optimism that has the bookies predicting us to win the league. I think it's going to be another tough season and maybe a top 10 finish if we're lucky.

12) You can ask yourself any question you want to about Villa and what is your answer?

Is it fair to make my son Buddy support Villa and ensure a lifetime of misery on the poor little sod?

Answer - Too Bloody right! I had to!!!

a) Which celebrity/s would you most like to meet and why? Beckham, Noel Gallagher, Kiefer Sutherland, Paul McGrath... just legends ain't they, and with the exception of Becks the rest would be great at a pee up!